Computer cooling system and method

ABSTRACT

A computer system includes an enclosure, a forced air cooling system configured to create air flow within the enclosure, a printed circuit board and an air flow blockage member. The printed circuit board is within the enclosure and includes a plurality of connectors including a first connector and a second connector separated by a first space. The air flow blockage member is proximate the first space and is movable between at least a first open position and a second open position distinct from the first open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/459263 entitled COMPUTER COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD byMichael A. Brooks and Thane M. Larson and filed on the same dateherewith, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer systems typically employ a motherboard or backplane to whichare connected a plurality of individual cards or blades. Cards typicallycarry a variety of different components such as central processingchips, IO devices, passive electronics and the like. Blades typicallyinclude such components as switches, routers, hard disk drives, modems,complete systems on a card and the like. The components of both cardsand blades generate large amounts of heat that must be dissipated. Suchsystems typically include a forced air cooling system in which fansdirect cooling air across the cards or blades.

In one known system, flow-blocking cards are used to completely blockair flow across or through an otherwise open or empty slot or bay. Byblocking the air flow across the empty slot or bay, air flow isincreased adjacent to those slots or bays containing heat generatingcards or blades.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a computer system illustrating oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a first alternative embodiment of thecomputer system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second alternative embodiment of thecomputer system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a third alternative embodiment ofthe computer system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the computer system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a fourth alternativeembodiment of the computer system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the computer system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the computer system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an air flow blocking system of thecomputer system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment ofthe computer system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the computer system of FIG. 10 takenalong line 11—11.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the computer system of FIG. 10 takenalong line 12—12.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the computer system of FIG. 10illustrating an air flow blockage member in an intermediate openposition.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the computer system of FIG. 13 takenalong line 14—14.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the airflow blockage members of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the air flow blockage members of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the air flow blockage members of FIG. 16taken along line 17—17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a computer system 20 which generallyincludes enclosure 22, mother board or backplane 24, replaceable units28, 30, 32, 34, 36, forced air cooling system 38 and air flow blockingsystem 40. Enclosure 22 generally comprises one or more structures thatsupport and substantially surround or enclose at least backplane 24,replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, cooling system 38 and at leastportions of air blocking system 40. In one embodiment, enclosure 22 maycomprise a chassis and a lid or cover. The exact configuration ofenclosure 22 may vary depending upon the particular characteristics ofcomputer system 20.

Backplane 24 is supported within enclosure 22 and includes printedcircuit board 42 and connectors 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56. Connectors 48,50, 52, 54 and 56 are generally configured to electronically mate withreplaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36, respectively. In oneembodiment, connectors 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 comprise slot or edgeconnectors which connect to edge portions of replaceable units 28, 30,32, 34 and 36, respectively. In alternative embodiments, connectors 48,50, 52, 54 and 56 may have other configurations depending upon theconnecting structure or structures of replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34and 36. For example, connectors 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 may alternativelycomprise pin connectors or pin receptacles depending on theconfiguration of the replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36. Inparticular embodiments, connectors 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 may havedistinct connector configurations or structures depending on theconnecting configuration or structures of replaceable units to beconnected to backplane 24.

Connectors 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 are generally configured to supportreplaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 parallel to one another andgenerally perpendicular to printed circuit board 42. Connectors 48 and50 are generally separated from one another by volume or space 58.Connectors 50 and 52 are generally separated from one another by volumeor space 60. Connectors 52 and 54 are separated from one another byspace 62. Connectors 54 and 56 are separated from one another by space64. Lastly, connector 56 is separated from an end of enclosure 22 (oranother internal structure within enclosure 22) by volume or space 66.Although backplane 24 is illustrated as only including connectors 48,50, 52, 54 and 56 and as being connected only to replaceable units 28,30, 32, 34 and 36, backplane 24 may alternatively be connected to otherbackplanes, other printed circuit boards, additional integratedcircuits, other cards or other internal devices. In addition, backplane24 may include other active and/or passive components coupled to printedcircuit board 42.

Replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 are connected to the printedcircuit board 42 via connectors 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56, respectively.Each replaceable unit 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 generally includes a printedcircuit board 70 and at least one active or passive component 72 coupledto the printed circuit board 70. Each replaceable unit 28, 30, 32, 34and 36 additionally includes a connector portion 73 (shown in FIG. 3)facilitating connection of printed circuit board 70 to one or more ofconnectors 48, 50, 52, 54 or 56.

Components 72 generally comprise conventionally known or futuredeveloped active or passive components. Examples of conventionally knownpassive components include capacitors, resistors, inductors, LEDs andthe like. Examples of conventionally known active components includerouters, modems, integrated circuits, memory, processor, hard diskdrives, controllers and the like. In one embodiment, components 72 arechosen such that one or more replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 or 36comprises a blade. Blades typically include both active and passivecomponents. In another embodiment, components 72 are chosen such thatone or more of replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 or 36 comprises a card,such as a PCI card. Replaceable cards also typically include both activeand passive components.

As shown by FIG. 1, replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 may includedifferent components. In addition, replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and36 may have differently sized components or different componentdensities (variable spacing or number of components coupled to printedcircuit board 70). Many of components 72 generate heat which must beremoved or dissipated to avoid damage to replaceable units 28, 30, 32,34 or 36 or other devices within system 20. Due to different components72, different component sizes and different component densities,replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 also have distinct coolingrequirements.

Forced air cooling system 38 generally comprises a device configured togenerate or create an air flow generally directed towards connectors 48,50, 52, 54 and 56 and through the spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66. In theparticular embodiment illustrated, forced air cooling system 38 includesone or more fans which blow towards spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 or 66 or drawair through spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66. In particular, air flow fromcooling system 38, absent any blocking by air flow blocking system 40,flows through spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 adjacent to components 72 tocool components 72 and then travels either out of enclosure 22 throughone or more openings in enclosure 22 or into other portions of aninterior of enclosure 22 to cool other devices within enclosure 22. Theair flow will generally follow the path of least resistance. As aresult, absent air flow blocking system 40, a large percentage of theair flow created by system 38 will travel through those spaces 58, 60,62, 64 and 66 which have the least resistance. In other words, a largerpercentage of air flow created by system 38 will travel through thosespaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 which are partially occupied the least bycomponents 72 of replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36. Likewise, airflow from system 38 is generally reduced in those spaces 58, 60, 62, 64and 66 heavily occupied by component 72. However, in many instances, itis those replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 which heavily occupyadjacent spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 with densely arranged or largercomponents 72 that generate greater heat and require greater cooling orheat dissipation.

Air flow blocking system 40 generally comprises a system configured toselectively and differentially block and therefore selectively controlair flow from system 38 through spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 to bettermeet the cooling or heat dissipation requirements of replaceable units28, 30, 32, 34 and 36. As a result, air blocking system 40 increases airflow resistance adjacent to some of spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 and notto others to control cooling. For purposes of this disclosure, the term“blocking”, by itself, is used in a broad sense so as to encompass bothcomplete air flow blockage or partial air flow blockage.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, air flow blocking system 40 generallyincludes air flow blockage members 74, actuators 76 and controller 78.Air flow blockage members 74 generally comprise structures (consistingof one or more individual elements coupled to one another) that areconfigured to block air flow from cooling system 38. Air flow blockagemembers 74 are generally positioned or situated along the air flow pathfrom cooling system 38. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, air flowblockage members 74 are positioned in the air flow path between coolingsystem 38 and each of spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 so as to block airflow to the adjacent space without blocking air flow to other spaces.Air flow blockage members 74 are generally configured to block air flowto their respective adjacent spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 the same as ordifferent as compared to air blocking being performed by other of airflow blockage members 74. In the embodiment illustrated, air flowblockage members 74 include one or more elements (individual structures)that move to effectuate different degrees of air flow blockage.

Air flow blockage members 74 move between a plurality of blockingpositions including a fully closed position, a fully open position, andone or more intermediate open positions between the fully closedposition and the fully open position. Although less desirable, thereforeblockage members 74 may alternatively be configured to move betweenfewer of such positions. In one embodiment, air flow blockage members 74pivot between such positions. In another embodiment, air flow blockagemembers 74 translate between such positions. In yet another embodiment,air flow blockage members 74 change their material characteristics toblock air flow by varying degrees.

Actuators 76 generally comprise powered mechanisms coupled to air flowblockage members 74 and configured to move air flow blockage members 74between different blocking positions. For purposes of this disclosure,the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly orindirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature ormovable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members orthe two members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate member being attachedto one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternativelymay be removable or releasable in nature.

In one embodiment, actuator 76 comprises an electrically poweredactuator, such as a solenoid. In another embodiment, actuator 76 maycomprise other forms of actuators, such as pneumatic actuators,hydraulic or other fluid-driven actuators or mechanical actuators suchas those driven by one or more power trains coupled to an electricmotor, engine or the like. Although system 20 is schematicallyillustrated as including an individual actuator 76 for each of air flowblockage members 74, system 20 may alternatively utilize actuator 76coupled to greater than one, and possibly all, of blockage members 74 solong as such actuators 76 are configured to move each of their air flowblockage members between the blocking positions independent of oneanother.

Controller 78 generally comprises one or more processor units incommunication with actuators 76 (as schematically illustrated bycommunication line 80) and configured to generate control signals,wherein actuators 76 move air flow blockage members 74 between thevarious blocking positions in response to such control signals. Forpurposes of the disclosure, the term “processor unit” shall include aconventionally known or future developed processing unit that executessequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of thesequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform stepssuch as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in arandom access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from aread only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistentstorage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in placeof or in combination with software instructions to implement thefunctions described. Controller 78 is not limited to any specificcombination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particularsource for the instructions executed by the processing unit.

In one embodiment, controller 78 communicates with actuator 76 viaelectrical wiring or cabling or electrical traces. In yet otherembodiments, controller 78 communicates with actuator 76 by othercommunication forms such as radio frequency waves, the transmission ofoptical signals and the like.

In the embodiment illustrated, controller 78 operates in one of severalselectable modes for generating control signals transmitted to actuator76 based upon alternative factors or factors utilized by controller 78in conjunction with one another. In a first mode, controller 78 utilizesadditional sensors 82 provided as part of system 20 and communicatingwith controller 78 as indicated by communication line 83. Sensors 82 aregenerally located within each of spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66. However,for ease of illustration, only a single sensor 82 is shown. Sensor 82generally comprises one or more individual sensing elements situated atone or more locations within space 58 and configured to sense at leastone air characteristic within its associated space 58, 60, 62, 64 and66. Examples of the at least one air characteristic which may be sensedby sensors 82 include air temperature, air velocity, air pressure, airflow direction and the like. Such information is transmitted orcommunicated to controller 78 by a communication line 83. Controller 78generates control signals based upon such information which results inactuator 76 moving air flow blockage members 74 based on suchinformation. For example, if a sensor 82 within space 58 sensesinsufficient air flow velocity through space 58, controller 78 maygenerate control signals such that actuator 76 moves air flow blockagemembers 74 adjacent space 58 so as to modify the blocking of air flow toincrease air flow through space 58. Information from sensor 82 withinone of spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 may also utilized by controller 78to vary air flow through another of spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66. Forexample, if sensor 82 within a space 58 senses an air flow temperaturegreater than a predetermined or calculated threshold or criteria,controller 78 may generate control signals such that an actuator 76moves an air flow blockage member 74 adjacent to space 60 to increasethe air blocking being performed by the air flow blockage member 74adjacent space 60 which may result in increased air flow and greaterheat dissipation through space 58. In particular applications, suchthresholds or criteria may be based upon one or more characteristics ofcomponents 72 utilized when programming or configuring controller 78 ormanually entered into controller 78. For example, component 72 ofreplaceable unit 30 may require temperatures no greater than a certainamount to avoid damage to the component 72. In such a circumstance, suchthreshold or criteria for the air temperature within space 60 may beestablished to avoid exceeding such safe operating temperatures ofcomponent 72 of replaceable unit 30.

In a second mode, controller 78 may generate the control signals basedat least in part upon information from sensors 84 additionally providedas part of system 20. Sensors 84 generally comprise one or moreindividual sensing elements coupled to a component 72 or a plurality ofcomponents 72 of at least one and preferably all of replaceable units20, 30, 32, 34 and 36 which are configured to sense a temperature oftheir associated components 72. For ease of illustration, only onesensor 84 is shown coupled to one of replaceable units 28. Sensors 84communicate with controller 78 via communication line 85 which, likecommunication lines 80 and 83, may achieve communication by any of avariety of conventionally known or future developed communicationmediums. Controller 78 utilizes the sensed information from sensors 84to generate control signals which causes one or more of actuators 76 tomove one or more of air flow blockage members 74. For example, if one ofsensors 84 coupled to component 72 of replacement unit 30 sensesinformation indicating that the temperature of the component 72 exceedsa predetermined threshold or criteria, controller 78 may generatecontrol signals causing actuator 76 to move the air flow blockage member74 adjacent space 60 to a larger open position to increase air flowthrough space 60 and to increase heat dissipation from the component 72.Controller 78 may also be configured to generate control signals suchthat an actuator 76 moves air flow blockage member 74 adjacent space 62to increase blocking of air flow to space 62, thereby potentiallyincreasing air flow through space 60. In particular circumstances,controller 78 may be configured to generate control signals such thatboth of the aforementioned actions are taken. The threshold temperatureor criteria under which controller 78 operates based upon informationfrom sensors 84 may be supplied by the manufacturer of the particularcomponent 72 or may be programmed or entered into memory of controller78.

In a third mode, controller 78 generates the control signals usinginformation from a manual or peripheral input 86 additionally providedto system 20. Manual or peripheral input 86 generally comprises anyconventionally known or future developed mechanism for enabling input tocontroller 78. Examples of manual or peripheral input 86 include akeyboard, a microphone, a mouse, a stylus and the like. Manual orperipheral input 86 may include a display displaying various choices andentry instructions. In one application, manual or peripheral input 86independently or with the assistance of controller 78 facilitates entryof information that controller 78 utilizes to generate the controlsignals. For example, manual or peripheral input 86 may facilitate anindividual specifically selecting the degree to which each of air flowblockage members 74 should block air flow to their associated spaces.Alternatively, manual or peripheral input 86 may facilitate the entry ofinformation by an individual providing thresholds or criteria thatcontroller 78 should utilize to generate the control signals. Examplesof such criteria may be a maximum desired temperature as sensed bysensor 84, a maximum, minimum or preferred air characteristic as sensedby sensors 82 or information identifying the particular replaceable unit28, 30, 32, 34 or 36 connected to printed circuit board 42 adjacent toeach of spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66, wherein controller 78 determines acriteria or threshold for generating control signals based upon theentered identification information. In still other embodiments, manualor peripheral input 86 alternatively enables the entry of information tocontroller 78 by communication with other computing devices throughanalog or digital signals or via portable storage media, such as disks,cassettes, cards and the like, which are read by manual or peripheralinput 86.

In a fourth mode, controller 78 generates control signals based uponinformation received from one or more of detectors 88 additionallyprovided as part of air flow blocking system 40. Detectors 88 generallycomprise structures or mechanisms configured to obtain information fromthe particular replaceable unit 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 connected via theconnector 48, 50, 52, 54, or 56 and to transmit such information via acommunication line 80 or another communication line to controller 78which generates the control signals based at least in part upon suchinformation. In one embodiment, detector 88 is configured to directlysense the actual characteristics of component 72 located within thecorresponding space (one of spaces 58, 60, 62, 64, 66). For example,detector 88 may comprise an optical sensor which detects the volume orpercent blockage of the corresponding space by component 72. In anotherembodiment, replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 are additionallyprovided with dedicated information sources 90 (schematically shown asto configuration and location) coupled to either printed circuit board70 or at least one of components 72. Each replaceable unit 28, 30, 32,34 and 36 includes a information source 90. However, for purposes ofillustration, only a single information source 90 on replaceable unit 28is shown.

Each information source 90 generally comprises a structure or mechanismfor storing or otherwise providing information regarding the particularreplacement unit to which information source 90 is coupled or air flowpreferences for the adjacent space. Information source 90 is configuredto cooperate with detector 88 to communicate such information todetector 88 which is then communicated to controller 78 for generatingthe control signals. For example, in one embodiment, information source90 provides information regarding a maximum, minimum or preferred aircharacteristic for a space adjacent component 72 provided as part of theparticular replaceable unit. In still another embodiment, informationsource 90 comprises an identifier which provides information identifyingat least one characteristic of the particular replaceable unit to whichinformation source 90 is coupled. For example, information source 90 mayindicate a maximum allowable or preferred operating temperature of oneor more components 72 provided as part of the replaceable unit, the typeof components 72, the type or number of components 72 coupled to theprinted circuit board 70 of the replaceable unit, the spacing, locationor density of components 72 upon the printed circuit board 70 of theparticular replaceable unit, or a name, class or other categorization ofthe particular replaceable unit, wherein controller 78 includesprogramming for generating control signals based upon the identifyinginformation.

In those embodiments in which replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36are provided with information sources 90, various interactions betweendetector 88 and source 90 may be utilized to communicate information. Inone embodiment, information source 90 includes recorded optical data anddetector includes an optical reader. For example, information source 90may comprise a bar code while detector 88 comprises a bar code reader.In still another embodiment, information source 90 may include recordedmagnetic data, wherein detector 88 includes a conventionally device forreading such recorded magnetic data such as a magneto resistive readhead. In still another embodiment, information source 90 may include anidentifying circuit chip or other similar mechanism coupled to thereplaceable unit, wherein detector 88 comprises circuitry configured toretrieve information from the chip or mechanism coupled to theparticular replaceable unit. In still another embodiment, informationsource 90 may comprise an element coupled to the particular replaceableunit and having characteristics associated with a predefined set ofinformation or characteristics stored in the memory of controller 78,wherein the detector 88 detects the particular characteristics of theelement. For example, in one embodiment, information source 90 mayinclude an armature having a characteristic associated with theparticular characteristic of the replaceable unit that impacts coolingrequirements, wherein detector 88 includes a transformer which detectsthe at least one armature characteristic.

Controller 78 may alternatively operate in each of the above-describedmodes. Alternatively, controller 78 may be configured to operate in twoor more of the above-described modes, wherein the degree to whichcontroller 78 generates control signals based upon information fromvarious sources (e.g., sensors 82, sensors 84, information sources 90,manual or peripheral input 86) may be weighted in a particular manner orprioritized in a particular manner by controller 78. In one embodiment,controller 78 may include a manual input which enables an individual toselect which particular mode or plurality of modes controller 78 uses togenerate the control signals. In particular embodiments, computer system20 and air flow blocking system 40 may alternatively be configured toprovide only a single mode or less than all of the modes described.

As part of its programming or hardwire configuration, controller 78 may,in one embodiment, be configured to prioritize air flow and heatdissipation from replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 or 36 based uponinformation received from one or more of sensors 82, sensors 84, manualor peripheral input 86 or information source 90. For example, controller78 may generate control signals such that actuator 76 actuate one ormore of air flow blockage members 74 to effectuate increased air flowadjacent the more critical components of system 20, to more expensivecomponents of system 20, to components 72 which have a history of higherfailure percentages and the like. Controller 78 may also be configuredto generate control signals that periodically or continuously vary theair flow blocking positions of one or more of air flow blockage members74 in response to the information from one or more of sensors 82 and 84.In this manner, a closed loop feedback system may be established toprovide optimum air flow. In alternative applications, controller 78 maybe configured to generate control signals such that a balanced air flowor balanced air pressure exists across each of replaceable units 28, 30,32, 34 and 36. In particular circumstances in which a connector 48, 50,52, 54 or 56 is empty or is unconnected to a replaceable unit, detector88 may be configured to detect the omission of a replaceable unit orcontroller 78 may be configured to utilize a default empty value ingenerating its control signals should no information be received from asensor 84 or an information source 90 that would normally be associatedwith a replaceable unit connected to the connector.

FIGS. 2 and 3 schematically illustrate computer systems 120 and 220,respectively, alternative embodiments of system 20 shown in FIG. 1.Computer systems 120 and 220 are substantially identical to computersystem 20 except that air flow blockage members 74 are repositionedwithin the air flow from cooling system 38 and relative to spaces 58,60, 62, 64 and 66. In particular, air flow blockage members 74 are shownin FIG. 2 as being positioned opposite forced air cooling system 38 on a“downstream” side of replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36. In such anembodiment, air flow from cooling system 38 passes through spaces 58,60, 62, 64 and 66 until encountering any blockage provided by members74. Any blockage by members 74 increases the amount of air pressurewithin the corresponding space to increase air flow through otherspaces.

As shown by FIG. 3, air flow blockage members 74 are oriented atapproximately 90 degrees relative to initial air flow coming fromcooling system 38. In other words, air flow blockage members 74 aresituated so as to extend generally parallel to connectors 48, 50, 52, 54and 56 and opposite printed circuit board 42. In such an embodiment, airflow from cooling system 38 flows across replaceable units 28, 30, 32,34 and 36 and then turns so as to flow past air flow blockage members 74if members 74 are not in a fully blocking position.

FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate computer system 320, a thirdalternative embodiment of computer system 20. Computer system 320generally includes enclosure 322, backplane 324, replaceable units 28,30, 32, 34 and 36 (shown in FIG. 1), replaceable units 328, 330, 332,334 and 336, forced air cooling system 338 and air flow blocking system340. Enclosure 322 is similar to enclosure 22 and generally constitutesa housing or structure about the remainder of system 320. Backplane 324includes a printed circuit board 342 and a plurality of connectors 348extending from a first side of board 342 and a second plurality ofconnectors 350 extending from a second opposite side of board 342.Connectors 348 and 350 are substantially identical to connectors 48, 50,52, 54, 56. Connectors 348 are configured to connect replaceable units28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 to a first side of board 342 while connectors 350are configured to connect replaceable units 328, 330, 332, 334 and 336to a second opposite side of board 342. Replaceable units 328, 330, 332,334 and 336 are substantially identical to replaceable units 28, 30, 32,34 and 36 in that replaceable units 328, 330, 332, 334, 336 eachgenerally include a printed circuit board 70 and at least one active orpassive component 72 (omitted from FIGS. 4 and 5 but shown in FIG. 1)coupled to the printed circuit board 70. The component 72 coupled to theprinted circuit board 70 of replaceable units 328, 330, 332, 334, 336may be identical to the components 72 and sets of components 72 providedby replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 or may be different.

Forced air cooling system 338 creates air flow within enclosure 322 asgenerally indicated by air flow arrows 351. In particular, air flowcreated by a first fan 352 which flows through a plurality of spacesbetween replaceable units 328, 330, 332, 334 and 336 and across thecomponents 72 provided by such replaceable units. The air flow executesa U-turn and then flows through spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 and acrosscomponents 72 provided by replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36.Lastly, the air flow indicated by arrows 351 is discharged by a secondfan 353 which exhausts the air from enclosure 322.

Air flow blocking system 340 includes air flow blockage members 374,376, 378, 380, actuators 76 (shown and described with respect to FIG. 1)and controller 78. Air flow blockage members 374, 376, 378 and 380 aresubstantially identical to air flow blockage members 74 (described withrespect to FIG. 1). In particular, air flow blockage members 374, 376,378 and 380 are situated along air flow path 351 and are movable betweena plurality of positions to variably block air flow through theplurality of individual spaces between replaceable units 328, 330, 332,334 and 336 and through the individual spaces 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66between or along replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 or 36. For purposes ofillustration, system 320 is illustrated as including four air flowblockage members: air flow blockage members 374 and 376 located on“upstream” and “downstream” sides of replaceable units 328, 330, 332,334 and 336 and blockage members 378 and 380 located on “upstream” and“downstream” sides of replaceable units 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36. However,in alternative embodiments, less than all of the air flow blockagemembers 374, 376, 378 and 380 may be employed. For example, in oneembodiment, system 320 may include or may omit the air flow blockagemembers 376 and 378. In another embodiment, the air flow blockagemembers 374 and 380 may be omitted. In another embodiment, the air flowblockage members 374 and 378 may be omitted. In still anotherembodiment, air flow blockage members 376 and 380 may be omitted.

Actuator 76 and controller 78 are identical to actuator 76 andcontroller 78 utilized in computer system 20. Although not illustrated,computer system 320 may additionally include sensors 82, sensors 84,manual or peripheral input 86 and information sources 90 (and theirrespective communication media). Overall, system 320 provides a compactarrangement of replaceable units which saves costs and space. Computersystem 320 is particular useful as a bladed system in which thereplaceable units constitute blades.

FIGS. 6–8 illustrate portions of a computer system 420, a fourthembodiment of computer system 20. Computer system 420 includes enclosure22, backplane 24, replaceable units 428, 430, as well as additionalreplaceable units (not shown), cooling system 38 and air flow blockingsystem 440. Enclosure 22, backplane 24 and cooling system 38 areillustrated and described with respect to computer system 20 in FIG. 1.As shown by FIGS. 6–8, replaceable units 428 and 430 each generallyinclude a printed circuit board 470, at least one active or passivecomponent 72 (schematically shown in FIG. 1) coupled to the “componentside” of printed circuit board 470, and a connector portion 473facilitating connection of printed circuit board 470 and the remainderof replaceable unit 428 or 430 to one of connectors 48, 50, 52, 54 or56. As further shown by FIGS. 6–8, each replaceable unit 428, 430additionally includes a face plate or bulkhead 477 having handles 479 tofacilitate connection of each units 428 and 430 to backplane 24. Theadditional replaceable units of system 420 that are not shown aresubstantially identical to replaceable units 428 and 430 except that oneor more of such replaceable units include at least one differentcomponents 72 supported on a component side of a printed circuit board470.

Air flow blocking system 440 shown in FIGS. 6–8 is generally configuredfor use in a system such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 wherein the air flowblockage member generally extends in a plane perpendicular to thebackplane to which replaceable units 428 and 430 are connected.Alternatively, system 440 may be configured for use in other systems.Although air flow blocking system 440 is illustrated for use with twounits, system 440 may be enlarged for multiple units. For each unit,system 440 generally includes air flow blockage member 474, actuator 476(shown in FIG. 9), detector 488 and information source 490. System 440also includes a controller 478 (shown in FIG. 9). Air flow blockagemember 474 generally includes frame 510, louvers 512, and piston 514.Frame 510 generally comprises a wall, panel or other substantiallyimperforate structure extending across the flow path created by theforced air cooling system 38 of the computer system proximate tocomponent sides of a printed circuit board 470 of the replaceable units428, 430 when the replaceable units are connected to backplane 24. Frame510 is coupled to enclosure 22 and forms or defines openings 515 (alsoknown as windows, doors, or passages) arranged in the flow path topermit air to pass therethrough if not completely blocked.

Louvers 512 generally comprise air flow blocking portions of member 474that move between a plurality of blocking positions. Louvers 512 (alsoknown as doors, flaps and covers) generally comprise imperforate memberssized and configured so as to substantially block or occlude openings515 when in a fully blocking or closed position. In alternativeembodiments, louvers 512 may include perforations or may be made ofmaterials that permit some air flow through the materials but wouldstill prevent unencumbered air flow through openings 512 when in thefully-closed position. Louvers 512 are each generally pivotally coupledto frame 510 at pivot points 516 (shown in FIG. 8) and are furtherpivotally coupled to piston 514 at points 520.

Piston 514 generally comprises an elongate rod or pin pivotallyconnected to each of louvers 512 and having an end portion 518 andconfigured to be engaged by actuator 476. Piston 514 is pivotallycoupled to each of louvers 514 by pins at pivot points 520. Upon beingengaged by actuator 476, piston 518 translates to simultaneously pivoteach of louvers 512 between various positions depending upon thelocation of actuator 476. In the particular embodiment illustrated,louvers 512 pivot between a fully closed position in which openings 515are fully occluded (as shown in FIG. 6 with respect to replaceable unit428), a fully opened position in which louvers extend substantiallyperpendicular to openings 512 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8 withrespect to replaceable unit 430 and a second intermediate openedposition such as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In one embodiment, air flowblocking system 440 additionally includes a spring coupled between frame510 and piston 514 so as to resiliently bias piston 514 towards apredetermined position in which louvers 514 assume a predetermined anddesired blocking position when actuator 476 is out of engagement withpiston 514. In alternative embodiments, piston 514 may be permanentlycoupled to actuator 476 such that piston 514 moves in both directionsdepending upon the direction of movement of actuator 476.

Actuator 476 (shown in FIG. 9) generally comprises a mechanismconfigured to move piston to linearly translate piston 514 in at leastone direction. In the particular embodiment illustrated, actuator 476comprises an electric solenoid. In alternative embodiments, actuator 476may comprise other electromechanical actuators such as servos, electricmotors and the like. Actuator 476 moves piston 514 in response tocontrol signals from controller 478.

Control circuit 578 generates control signals to control actuator 476based upon signals from detector 488 and its interaction withinformation source 490. Information source 490 functions as anidentifier to identify at least one characteristic of either replaceableunit 428 or replaceable unit 430 to its corresponding detector 488. Inthe embodiment illustrated, information source 490 comprises an elongateferrous pin so as to function as an armature. In the particularembodiment illustrated, the pin forming information source 490 alsoserves to key each module or replaceable unit 428, 430 into position andinto connection with backplane 424.

Detector 488 generally comprises a linear variance differentialtransformer (LVDT) having a primary winding 530 and a secondary winding532 spaced for the reception of the pin of information source 490. Thepin forming information source 490 has a characteristic associated withat least one characteristic of the replaceable unit (either unit 428 orunit 430 in FIG. 6) and which is detectable by detector 488. In theparticular embodiment illustrated, the pin forming information source490 has a length which identifies at least one characteristic of thereplaceable unit to which it is coupled.

FIG. 9 illustrates controller 478 in greater detail. As shown by FIG. 9,control circuit 478 includes a full wave rectifier 533 and a differentcircuit 534. As further shown by FIG. 9, the input to the LVDT is 2.5KHz, 3V AC voltage. In operation, the length of the pin forminginformation source 490 affects the amount of coupling of primary winding530 with secondary winding 532. As a result, the length of pin 490linearly varies the secondary or output AC voltage across secondarywinding 532. The output AC voltage is fed into full wave rectifier 533which is illustrated as a bridge transformer circuit. Full waverectifier 532 creates a DC voltage (Vx) that is proportional to the ACpeak-to-peak voltage. The output DC voltage (Vx) is then input intodifferent circuit 534 (illustrated as a differential operationalamplifier) that measures the difference between the output voltage Vxand two times Vcontrol. The output of the different circuit (op/amp)drives actuator 476.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the actual value of the outputvoltage Vx is dependent upon the number of windings that make updetector 488 as well as the exact material of pin 490. As a result, theoutput voltage Vx may be tuned to any range. In one embodiment, Vx isgenerally between 0 and 5 volts. In one embodiment, Vcontrol is voltagebetween negative 2.5 and 2.5 volts, thus allowing the application of anyvoltage between 0 volts and −10 volts to the solenoid (though only 0 to−5 volts would be supported). Although not shown, Vcontrol is generallycreated using a digital to analog converter and the solenoid voltage isread using an analog to digital converter. An additional feature of thisembodiment is that the air flow blocking system progressively opens asthe card or blade is installed. Thus a card or blade only partiallyseated will not open the air flow blocking mechanism fully and the restof the system is protected against the unsealed opening.

Overall, air flow blocking system 440 automatically adjusts air flowadjacent to components 72 coupled to printer circuit boards 470 of thereplaceable units by independently varying the degree to which air flowis blocked. System 440 automatically adjusts air flow to take intoaccount the shape, power usage and component density of each replaceableunit. As a result, a consistent and predictable air flow across thecomponents of each replaceable unit is achieved for maximum cooling andpower efficiency is achieved. In addition, controller 478 may includeadditional electronics (not shown) which permit signals generated as aresult of pin 490 to be overridden to provide manual adjustment oflouvers 512 or to transmit other control signals to actuator 476 formovement of louvers 512 based upon other information.

FIGS. 10–14 illustrate computer system 620, an alternative embodiment ofcomputer system 420. Computer system 620 is substantially identical tocomputer system 420 except that computer system 620 includes air flowblocking system 640 in lieu of air flow blocking system 440. Air flowblocking system 640 is itself similar to air flow blocking system 440except that air flow blocking system 640 includes air flow blockagemember 674 in lieu of information source 490. Air flow blocking system640 further omits actuator 476, controller 478 and detector 488. Forease of illustration, those remaining elements of system 620 which arethe same as those elements of system 420 are numbered similarly. Airflow blockage member 674 generally comprises a member coupled to each ofreplaceable units 428, 430. Like information sources 490, members 674serve to key their respective replaceable units 428, 430 to enclosure 22to assist in aligning connector portions 473 with connectors onbackplane 24. Like information sources 490, members 674 function as anidentifier by having at least one characteristic associated with orcorresponding to at least one characteristic of the associatedreplaceable unit 428, 430. In the particular embodiment illustrated,members 674 have lengths which vary depending upon at least onecharacteristic of the replaceable units 428, 430 from which they extend.Such characteristics may include power consumption, component density,component size, maximum operating temperatures permitted for componentsof the replaceable unit and the like. Unlike information source 490,members 674 are configured to physically contact and apply a force to anengagement portion 621 of piston 514 so as to translate piston 514 andso as to move and pivot louvers 512. The degree to which member 674pivots or moves louvers 512 depends upon the length of member 674. Forexample, as shown by FIGS. 10 and 11, member 674 of replaceable unit 430is provided with an axial length such that upon connection of connectorportion 473 of unit 432 backplane 24, member 674 drives piston 514 inthe direction indicated by arrow 675 to pivot louvers 512 in thedirection indicated by arrow 677 to a fully open position in whichlouvers 512 extend generally perpendicular to frame 510. As a result,potential air flow through frame 510 is maximized to reduce air flowresistance adjacent to the components coupled to printed circuit board470 of unit 430. This may be advantageous in instances such as whenreplaceable unit 430 includes components that require greater cooling orthat already present substantial air flow resistance due to their sizeor density.

Alternatively, replaceable unit 430 may omit member 674 or may include amuch shorter member 674 such that member 674 does not contact or apply aforce to engagement portion 621 of piston 514 during connection ofreplaceable unit 432 backplane 24. As a result, louvers 512 are biasedto a predetermined position when out of engagement with a member 674. Asshown by FIG. 12, in the embodiment illustrated, louvers 512 are biasedby gravity towards a fully closed position either when member 674 isomitted or has an insufficient length so as not to engage engagementportion 621 when the replaceable unit is connected to the backplane orwhen the replaceable unit is at least partially removed or disconnectedfrom the backplane 24. Louvers 512 and piston 514 are generally biasedto a fully closed position by gravity due to the location of pivot point516 and the larger weight of each louver 512 extending to one side ofpivot points 516. Although piston 514 and louvers 512 are illustrated asbeing biased by gravity towards a fully closed position, piston 514 andlouvers 512 may alternatively be biased by gravity or other means to analternative position in which louvers 512 are in a partially open state.Furthermore, in lieu of relying upon gravity, piston 514 and louvers 512may alternatively be biased by a spring or other biasing means coupledbetween frame 510 or the enclosure 22 and piston 514 or louvers 512.

As shown by FIGS. 13 and 14, member 674 of replaceable unit 428 has ashorter length as compared to member 674 of unit 430 such that member674 physically contacts and applies force to engagement portion 621 ofpiston 514 during insertion and connection of unit 428 to backplane 24to pivot louvers 512 to a second intermediate open position. Such anintermediate open position partially restricts air flow through frame510. This may be advantageous in circumstances where components 72coupled to printed circuit board 470 of replaceable unit 428 have lowerpower consumption, produce less heat, have a lower density or smallersizes, or require less cooling as compared to those components 72coupled to printed circuit board 470 of replaceable unit 430 whichrequires louvers 512 to be in the fully open position. The exact degreeor extent to which louvers 512 pivot to block air flow may be infinitelyvaried depending upon the length of member 674.

Overall, air blocking system 640 automatically adjusts any blockage ofair flow across the replaceable units, such as replaceable units 428 and430, to attain a consistent pressure drop across each space into whichcomponents 72 extend and across the enclosure 22 as a whole. System 640enables specific and variable control of air flow adjacent to eachreplaceable unit based on the characteristics of the replaceable unitsuch as its cooling requirements, power consumption, component size ordensity. Because air flow blocking system 640 is completely mechanicalin nature and relies solely upon physical interaction of components andforces occurring during the insertion and connection of the replaceableunits to the backplane, system 640 works even if individual replaceableunits are not powered or running. In particular embodiments, system 640may be additionally provided with an electromechanical device such asshown and described with respect to system 440 such that the generalmechanical setting established by the individual varying lengths ofmembers 674 may be overridden using an actuator and a control circuitthat generates control signals, wherein the actuator engages and movesan extension extending from engagement portion 621 to further move orpivot louvers 512.

Although system 640 is illustrated with air flow blockage member 474coupled to enclosure 22 (or a card cage which also serves as part ofenclosure 22) and with an air flow blockage member 674 coupled to eachreplaceable unit, such as units 428 and 430, this relationship may bereversed. In particular, member 674 may be coupled to and extending froma portion of enclosure 22, while each replaceable unit 428, 430 includesa member 474. In such an alternative embodiment, member 674 willpreferably have a uniform length while pistons 514 of members 474 wouldhave a varying length based upon at least one characteristic of theassociated replaceable unit. For example, piston 514 may be configuredin this embodiment so as to either (1) not engage member 674 such thatlouvers 512 remain biased in their fully closed positions, (2) engagemember 674 to pivot louvers 512 to a fully open position, or (3) toengage member 674 such that piston 514 is moved so as to pivot louvers512 to an intermediate open position. In such alternative embodiments,each replaceable unit may be provided with a customized set of louvers514 as well as louver openings 512 for further control of air flow basedupon characteristics of the particular replaceable unit.

FIGS. 15–17 illustrate air flow blockage member 774, an alternativeembodiment of air flow blockage member 474. FIGS. 15–17 illustrate threeadjacent air flow blockage members 774 for use with three consecutiveadjacent slots and spaces along three replaceable units. Each air flowblockage member 774 generally includes perforated plate 810, perforatedplate 812 and engagement portion 814. Perforated plate 810 generallycomprises an elongate plate having a plurality of perforations oropenings 816. Each plate 810 is stationarily coupled to enclosure 22adjacent to the space between adjacent replaceable units within the airflow path created by cooling system 38.

Plate 812 generally comprises a panel having a plurality of perforationsor openings 818. Plate 812 is generally movable relative to plate 810 soas to reposition openings 818 relative to openings 816 which results ina blocking of air flow to different extents or degrees. Plate 812 ismovably supported relative to plate 810 via channels or spaced apart andunderlying supporting tabs integrally formed with or mounted to eitherenclosure 22 or plate 810.

As best shown by FIG. 16, plate 812 may be moved relative to plate 810between a fully open position 820 in which openings 818 aresubstantially aligned with openings 816, a substantially closed position822 in which openings 818 are substantially out of alignment withopenings 816 to minimize air flow through member 774, and anintermediate open position 824 in which openings 818 are in partialalignment with openings 816 to facilitate less than full air flowthrough member 774 but air flow through member 774 that is greater thanposition 822.

Engagement portion 814 comprises an extension protruding from plate 812and configured to be engaged to facilitate movement of plate 812relative to plate 810. In embodiments where actuator 476 is permanentlycoupled to engagement portion 814, actuator 476 moves plate 812 in bothdirections. In embodiments where actuator 476 is configured to only moveplate 812 in a single direction, plate 812 is resiliently biased to theother opposite direction by a spring coupled between plate 812 andeither plate 810 or a portion of enclosure 22. Depending upon theconfiguration and orientation of the computer system in which air flowblockage member 774 is employed, plate 812 may alternatively be biasedby gravity.

In alternative embodiments, air flow blockage member 774 mayalternatively be provided as part of or coupled to a replaceable unitsuch as replaceable units 428 and 430. For example, air flow blockagemember 774 may be coupled to the replaceable unit in substantially thesame position as frame 510 is illustrated in FIG. 6. In such analternative embodiment, the system is further provided with an actuatorfor engaging and moving plate 812 relative to plate 810 to differentdegrees to achieve different air flow blocking characteristics. In stillanother embodiment, plate 812 includes an engagement portion 814 whichextends or projects beyond plate 810 by varying distances depending uponcharacteristics of the replaceable unit to which air flow blockagemember 774 is coupled. Enclosure 22 would include a plurality ofuniformly sized air flow blockage members 674 which engage engagementportions 814 of plate 812. As a result, connection of a replaceable unitto a backplane of a system would result in the member 674 extending fromenclosure 22 to engage engagement portion 814 so as to move plate 812relative to plate 810 by varying extents based upon configuration ofengagement portion 814 which is based upon at least one characteristicof the replaceable unit to which engagement member 774 is coupled.

Although plates 810 and 812 are described with respect to FIGS. 15–17 aspart of a single air flow blockage member 774 that is coupled toenclosure 22, plates 810 and 812 may alternatively be coupled toenclosure 22 and a replaceable unit, respectively. In particular, plate810 may be stationarily coupled to enclosure 22 while plate 812 isstationarily coupled to a replaceable unit such as unit 428 or 430 ingenerally the same orientation as frame 510 is shown in FIG. 6. In suchan alternative embodiment, replaceable units having differentcharacteristics such as different components, different componentdensities, different heat generation properties, different coolingrequirements, different power consumption and the like also have aperforated plate 812 having differently configured openings 818.Openings 818 may be configured differently by varying the size of theopenings 818, the location of the openings 818 or the density of theopenings 818. As a result, the different perforated plates 812 of thedifferent replaceable units interact differently with plate 810 toachieve varying or different air flow blocking characteristics based onthe particular characteristics of the replaceable unit. In oneembodiment, connecting of a particular replaceable unit to a backplane24 results in plate 812 extending adjacent to plate 810. Direct physicalcontact between plates 810 and 812 is not necessary to achieve air flowblocking interaction between openings 818 and 816.

Although the present invention has been described with reference toexample embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. For example, although different exampleembodiments may have been described as including one or more featuresproviding one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the describedfeatures may be interchanged with one another or alternatively becombined with one another in the described example embodiments or inother alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the presentinvention is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology areforeseeable. The present invention described with reference to theexample embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestlyintended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specificallyotherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element alsoencompass a plurality of such particular elements.

1. A computer system comprising: an enclosure; a forced air coolingsystem configured to create air flow within the enclosure; a firstprinted circuit board within the enclosure and including a plurality ofconnectors including a first connector and a second connector separatedby a first space; a first air flow blockage member proximate the firstspace and movable between a first open position and a second openposition distinct from the first open position; an actuator configuredto move the first air flow blockage member between the first positionand the second position; and a processor unit configured to generatecontrol signals, wherein the actuator moves the first air flow blockagemember in response to the control signals.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the first blockage member is further movable to a fully closedposition.
 3. The system of claim 1 including a manual input coupled tothe processor unit, wherein the processor unit generates the controlsignals based upon the entries from the manual input.
 4. The system ofclaim 1 including: a first replaceable unit having a second printedcircuit board connected to the first connector; and a detectorconfigured to detect a characteristic of the first replaceable unit andin communication with the processor unit, wherein the processor unitgenerates the control signal based at least in part upon the detectedcharacteristic of the first replaceable unit.
 5. The system of claim 1including at least one sensor configured to sense at least one aircharacteristic proximate the first space, wherein the processor unitgenerates the control signal based at least in part upon the sensed aircharacteristic.
 6. The system of claim 1 including a first replaceableunit having a second printed circuit board connected to the firstconnector and a temperature sensor coupled to the second printed circuitboard, the temperature sensor being configured to sense a temperature ofat least one component coupled to the second printed circuit board,wherein the processor unit generates the control signal based at leastin part upon the sensed temperature.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe actuator comprises a solenoid.
 8. The system of claim 1 including: afirst replaceable unit having a second printed circuit board and anidentifier; and a detector configured to read the identifier todetermine at least one characteristic of the first replaceable unit,wherein the detector is in communication with the processor unit andwherein the processor unit generates the control signals based at leastin part upon the determined at least one characteristic of the firstreplaceable unit.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first printedcircuit board includes a third connector separated from the secondconnector by a second space and wherein the system further includes: asecond air flow blockage member proximate the second space and movablebetween a first open position and a second open position distinct fromthe first open position.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstair flow blockage member pivots between the first open position and thesecond open position.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first airflow blockage member translates between the first open position and thesecond open position.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first airflow blockage member includes a plurality of louvers.
 13. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the system includes a first perforated plate andwherein the first air flow blockage member includes a second perforatedplate proximate the first perforated plate.
 14. The system of claim 8,wherein the identifier includes recorded optical data and wherein thedetector includes an optical reader.
 15. The system of claim 8, whereinthe identifier includes recorded magnetic data.
 16. The system of claim8, wherein the identifier includes an armature having at least onearmature characteristic identifying a characteristic of the firstreplaceable unit and wherein the detector includes a transformerconfigured to detect the at least one armature characteristic.
 17. Thesystem of claim 9 including: at least one actuator configured toindependently move the first air flow blockage member and the second airflow blockage member; and a processor unit configured to generatecontrol signals, wherein the at least one actuator moves the first airflow blockage member and the second air flow blockage member in responseto the control signals.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the armaturehas a length associated with the characteristic of the first replaceableunit.
 19. The system of claim 17 including: a first replaceable unithaving a second printed circuit board connected to the first connector;and a second replaceable unit having a third printed circuit boardconnected to the second connector.
 20. The system of claim 17 including:at least one first sensor configured to sense at least one aircharacteristic proximate the first space; and at least one second sensorconfigured to sense at least one second air characteristic proximate thesecond space, wherein the processor unit generates the control signalsbased upon the at least one sensed first air characteristic proximatethe first space and proximate the second space.
 21. The system of claim17 including: a first replaceable unit having a second printed circuitboard connected to the first connector; and a second replaceable unithaving a third printed circuit board connected to the second connector.22. The system of claim 17 including: a first replaceable unit having asecond printed circuit board and at least one component coupled to thesecond printed circuit board connected to the first printed circuitboard via the first connector; and at least one sensor configured tosense at least one air characteristic adjacent the second printed board,wherein the processor unit is configured to generate control signals tomove at least one of the first air flow blockage member and the secondair flow blockage member to increase air flow adjacent the firstreplaceable unit when the sensed at least one air characteristic meets apredefined criteria.
 23. The system of claim 17 including: a replaceableunit having a second printed circuit board connected to the firstprinted circuit board via the first connector and at least one componentcoupled to the second printed circuit board; and at least one sensorconfigured to sense the temperature of the at least one componentcoupled to the second printed circuit board, wherein the processor unitis configured to generate control signals to move the first air flowblockage member to increase air flow adjacent the first replaceable unitwhen the sensed temperature of the at least one component coupled to thesecond printed circuit board meets a pre-selected criteria.
 24. Thesystem of claim 19 including: a first detector configured to detect atleast one first characteristic of the first replaceable unit; and asecond detector configured to detect at least one second characteristicof the second replaceable unit, wherein the first detector and thesecond detector communicate with the processor unit and wherein theprocessor unit is configured to generate control signals based at leastin part upon the detected at least one first characteristic of the firstreplaceable unit and the at least one characteristic of the secondreplaceable unit.
 25. The system of claim 19, wherein the firstreplaceable unit includes a first component coupled to the secondprinted circuit board and wherein the second replaceable unit includes asecond component distinct from the first component and coupled to thethird printed circuit board.
 26. The system of claim 19, wherein thefirst replaceable unit includes a component coupled to the secondprinted circuit board, wherein the component is selected from a groupincluding: capacitors, resistors, inductors, LEDs, routers, modems,integrated circuits, memory, processor, hard disk drives andcontrollers.
 27. The system of claim 19, wherein the first replaceableunit comprises a blade including a component coupled to the printedcircuit board, wherein the component is selected from the groupincluding: routers, modems, integrated circuits, memory, processor, harddisk drives and controllers.
 28. The system of claim 19, wherein theprocessor unit is configured to prioritize cooling requirements of thefirst replaceable unit and the second replaceable unit and wherein theprocessor unit generates control signals to move the first air flowblockage and the second air flow blockage member based at least in partupon such priorities.
 29. The system of claim 20, wherein the processorunit is configured to generate control signals to move the first airflow blockage member based at least in part upon the at least one secondsensed air characteristic proximate the second space.
 30. The system ofclaim 21 including: a first temperature sensor coupled to the secondprinted circuit board and configured to sense a first temperature of atleast one component coupled to the second printed circuit board; and asecond temperature sensor coupled to the third printed circuit board andconfigured to sense a second temperature of at least one componentcoupled to the third printed circuit board, wherein the processor unitgenerates control signals based at least in part upon the first sensedtemperature of the at least one component coupled to the second printedcircuit board and the second sensed temperature of the at least onecomponent coupled to the third printed circuit board.
 31. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the processor unit is configured to generate controlsignals to move the first air flow blockage member based at least inpart upon the detected at least one second characteristic of the secondreplaceable unit.
 32. The system of claim 24, wherein the detected atleast one first characteristic and the detected at least one secondcharacteristic includes heat generating characteristics of the firstreplaceable unit and of the second replaceable unit, respectively. 33.The system of claim 30, wherein the processor unit is configured togenerate control signals for moving the first air flow blockage memberbased at least in part upon the second sensed temperature of the atleast one component coupled to the third printed circuit board.
 34. Thesystem of claim 31, wherein the at least one first detectedcharacteristic and the at least one second characteristic includecomponent density of the first printed circuit board and of the secondprinted circuit board, respectively.
 35. A replaceable unit for use witha computer system having a first printed circuit board having a firstconnector and a second connector separated by a space, a forced aircooling system, an air flow blockage member proximate the space, anactuator configured to move the air flow blockage member and a processorunit configured to generate control signals, wherein the actuator movesthe air flow blockage member in response to the control signals, theunit comprising: a second printed circuit board; at least one componentcoupled to the second printed circuit board; and an information sourcecoupled to the second printed circuit board, wherein the informationsource is in communication with the processor unit and wherein thecontrol signals generated by the processor unit are based at least inpart upon information communicated to the processor unit from theinformation source.
 36. The unit of claim 35, wherein the informationsource includes an identifier configured to communicate informationregarding at least one characteristic of the at least one component. 37.The unit of claim 35, wherein the information source includes at leastone temperature sensor coupled to the second printed circuit board andconfigured to sense a temperature of the at least one component on thesecond printed circuit board, wherein the processor unit generatescontrol signals based upon the sensed temperature.
 38. The unit of claim35, wherein the at least one component is selected from a groupincluding: capacitors, resistors, inductors, LEDs, routers, modems,integrated circuits, memory, processor, hard disk drives andcontrollers.
 39. The unit of claim 35, wherein the unit comprises ablade and wherein the at least one component is selected from a groupincluding: routers, modems, integrated circuits, memory, processor, harddisk drives and controllers.
 40. The unit of claim 36, wherein thecomputer system includes a detector comprising an optical reader andwherein the information source includes recorded optical data.
 41. Theunit of claim 36, wherein the identifier includes recorded magneticdata.
 42. The unit of claim 36, wherein the computer system includes adetector comprising a transformer and wherein the identifier includes anarmature having at least one characteristic associated with acharacteristic of the replaceable unit.
 43. The unit of claim 42,wherein the armature has a length associated with the characteristic ofthe replaceable unit.
 44. A method for cooling a computer system havingan enclosure, a first printed circuit board having first, second andthird consecutive connectors within the enclosure, a second printedcircuit board connected to the first printed circuit board at the firstconnector, a third printed circuit board connected to the first printedcircuit board at the second connector and separated from the secondprinted circuit board by a first space, a fourth printed circuit boardconnected to the first printed circuit board at the third connector andseparated from the third printed circuit board by a second space, afirst component coupled to the second printed circuit board andextending within the first space, and a second component coupled to thethird printed circuit board and extending within the second space, themethod comprising: forcing air towards the first space and the secondspace; and blocking air flow through the first space and the secondspace to different degrees.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the airflow is selectively blocked to different degrees based upon at least onecharacteristic of one or more components coupled to at least one of thesecond printed circuit board and the third printed circuit board. 46.The method of claim 44 including reading a first identifier coupled tothe second printed circuit board and a second identifier coupled to thethird printed circuit board.
 47. The method of claim 44, wherein thestep of selectively blocking includes pivoting a first air flow blockagemember proximate the first space and pivoting a second air flow blockagemember proximate the second space.
 48. The method of claim 44, whereinselectively blocking includes translating a first air flow blockagemember proximate the first space and translating a second air flowblockage member proximate the second space.
 49. The method of claim 44including manually entering information to a processor unit identifyingat least one characteristic of components coupled to the second printedcircuit board and components coupled to the third printed circuit board.50. The method of claim 45, including detecting at least onecharacteristic of the second printed circuit board and of the thirdprinted circuit board.
 51. The method of claim 47, wherein the first airflow blockage member is pivoted between at least three positions andwherein the second air flow blockage member is pivoted between at leastthree positions.
 52. The method of claim 50 including detecting a firstcomponent density of the second printed circuit board and a secondcomponent density of the third printed circuit board.